Wednesday, January 30, 2013

First Wave: Series Two: Session Two News

The news briefings I gave out for this week's session of our Mutants & Masterminds 2e campaign (wiki here).

TOUGH ON SUPER CRIME

Governor ------ announced the formation of a new
prosecutorial taskforce dealing with super-powered crime and criminals. “We’ve
moved to a more intelligent and prepared approach on the enforcement side of
things: better training, clear procedures, advanced equipment supplied by
Homeland Security. But at the same time we need to be able to handle the
special challenges to actually convicting these lawbreakers once they’ve been
captured.” He announced the selection of noted Attorney Matthew Murdock to the
newly created role. Murdock, a veteran of numerous high-profile prosecutions of
organized crime figures, was widely expected to be the Governor’s top pick. As
the new Special Prosecutor for Heightened Crimes he will have both
investigative and prosecutorial authority in cases throughout New York State,
but especially in NYC itself. Various agencies and groups supporting equal
treatment for those with disabilities praised the decision. Despite being blind
since a childhood accident, Murdock graduated top of his class.

VALHALLA RISING

In a quickly called press conference, First Wave confirmed
that they managed to rescue several hostages from the clutches of the Occult
Crime network known as The Circle of Thorns. In recent weeks the Circle had
unleashed a crime wave which left at least a dozen dead and many more injured.
Though their ultimate purpose remains a mystery, the group assured reporters
that they and their ceremonies had been brought to a halt. Mr. Freeze then
stunned reporters when he announced the return of the Mighty Thor, presumed
lost in during the Starro incident. He brought the Norse superhero forth to a
standing ovation from the gathered press corps. Thor took questions for nearly
an hour, assuring the public that his return signaled the continued safety of
NYC and “all the those who dwell in Midgard.”

DRUG DESIGNS

Authorities are warning a new wave of dangerous designer
drugs which seems to be sweeping clubs and campuses across the Eastern
Seaboard. DEA Special officer Hunter Cash warned that at least two new and
distinctive drugs have been responsible for several deaths and multiple
collapses leading to coma. “The power vacuum in the wake of the Starro incident
allowed a number of smaller and more creative producers access higher end and
boutique markets. These aren’t ordinary street drugs, but expensive and potent
experiences which deadly side effects. Pigment aka Blacklight is a powerful and
subtle hallucinogenic which seems to remain in users bloodstreams for many
days, leading to recurring and uncontrollable flashbacks even more intense than
the original experience. On the other hand, provided little hard information on
the other drug they’d issued a bulletin on X-Static aka Broadcast. Pressed on
the matter, Cash would only say that work and investigation into the nature and
source of that drug was ongoing.

MUTANT THUGS

NYPD announced the capture of several members of a strange
underground street gang which has been involved in petty theft, property
damage, trespassing, and other crimes. Though authorities would not release
details, they confirmed that members of the gang seemed to be linked by being
self-described “mutants,” dwelling in the city’s subways and other underground
networks. One inside source indicated that these Subterrans may be connected to
a break-ins across the city which resulted in tagging and minor damage, but no
other real effects. Targets have ranged from shopping malls to galleries to
high-tech firms. “We believe that such break-ins using their Mutant powers have
been used as a ‘rite-of-passage’ for these gang members,” the source said.

GIVE TIL IT HURTS

Flashman Productions announced the lineup for the upcoming
two-day Take Back the Star(ros)
Benefit Concert. Featuring the vocal stylings of Nicky Minaj, Nickelback, Flo
Rida, and many others the concert series promises to be a spectacle
concert-goers will remember for years to come. Older enthusiasts will be
treated to a special separate concert featuring the cast of the film Les Mis performing selections from the
musical on stage. Asked which cast members had confirmed, Flashman said, “That
will be a special surprise. I can tell you that my partners at TicketMaster and
I have cooked up an amazing set of programs which charitably minded fans of
music can easily purchase tickets for on stage.” Flashman indicated that some
of New York’s most famous superheroes would also be making a special appearance
at some of the shows, though for reasons of security he could not say which at
this time.

SLASHER SLAYINGS

NYC Homicide confirmed that they believe latest brutal
slashing murder in the Candle Heights is connected to two others in the area.
The crimes in the most Hispanic neighborhood have attracted attention for their
brutality and apparent speed. Until recently they’d believe the crimes might be
connected to the Circle of Thorns cult-style slayings and kidnappings. However
First Wave’s capture of the organization and forensic evidence seems to rule
that out. The rash of crimes has put many on edge and exacerbated tensions
between the police and local residents.

DEFENSE CONTRACTS

Hammer Industries and OsCorp announced a new series of
defense contracts for the Department of Homeland security today. While several
of the projects remain classified, most clearly relate to dealing with
superhuman and alien threats. “We have long-term plans for dealing with these
kinds of assaults on our liberties in the future,” Hammer CEO Justin Hammer
said at a brief but flashy press conference. It remains unclear what percentage
of the projects are aimed at domestic security versus more military
applications. Sources within both companies indicated that they’d been provided
with a broad mandate. In particular, Homeland Security has reauthorized
development of the STALKER robotic security initiative that had been cancelled
five years ago at OsCorp.

RETURN OF THE APE

A series of daring robberies appears to have been committed
by the supervillain known as Dr. Simian. The criminal appeared in the first
weeks of the appearance of superbeings, but vanished from headlines after that.
It remains unclear whether Dr. Simian is a gorilla who gained the power of
super-intelligence or a human mastermind transformed into beast. Regardless, he
is a dangerous foe who combines enhanced brutal strength with a cunning
intellect. His personal team of super-villains, The Safari, has had a
remarkable success rate. In fact, he might have a greater success rate if if
weren't for his great weakness-- a desire to outwit, trick and trap
superheroes. More than most current villains he falls into the classic mode and
revels in it. As he said in one brief interview after capture, "I have
replaced by bestial bloodthirsty instincts with another instinct, the desire to
humiliate my opponents-- which would be better I remain unsure." Simian popped
up during the Starro incident in several actions to rescue trapped animals from
zoos and parks in the path of the hurricane.